Saturday, July 31, 2010

Off to Albuquerque. I love spelling Albuquerque as I type it. Yes, we're off to New Mexico, and the "Unwedding" of our 'kids' Gordon and Rachael.

"An Unbirthday is described as an event that is typically celebrated on any of the 364 or 365 days in which it is not the person's birthday. It is a neologism coined in Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass, giving rise to "The Unbirthday Song" in the 1951 Disney animated film Alice in Wonderland."

Soooo, since Gordon and Rachael are not having any sort of official "foofarah" [is that a word? Perhaps it's an unword], instead opting to travel around the world for 3 months, we shall convene in Rach's home town, with her family and just be. An "Unwedding" (neologism) it is. I'm sure there will be Champagne and Cupcakes involved:)

Caution: I can't get this song out of my head regarding Un..things. See if you are not similarly afflicted after hearing it. Just replace birthday with wedding and you've got it!

Friday, July 30, 2010

I love it when I come across new information while investigating something quite different. I have to say that the last two artists I have profiled are new to me and totally exciting. I think a trip to The Metropolitan Museum of Art is in order.

I have always been drawn to the portraiture of women and children. Perhaps becoming a grandmother has heightened my interest, but what can be lovelier than this little girl? Her nurse has her firmly in hand and that enviable clothing....I wonder where they are, or where they are going?

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

AND to go along with it, a brand new blog! Carmi is busier than ever, but this book is an invaluable companion for anyone interested in the arty side of Paris. Brava Carmi. C'est Magnifique!

I may be forced to take to the garden, feet up on a lounger and do a book review today!

Update: Read this cover to cover and it is a joy! I can't wait for more. If I hadn't just returned from Europe, I might be convinced to stop in Paris and visit each and every one of the recommendations! Five stars!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Despite the pouring rain that didn't deter anyone seated on the lawn, Lilith came to Toronto last night. There had been all sorts of rumours that this concert, as some already had, would be canceled. It wasn't. The attendance was great and the fans, if not the performers (Kelly Clarkson - BOOOO) were faithful. Our seats were perfect, at the main stage, and in the covered section.

Who knew that "The Court Yard Hounds" were previously "The Chicks"...as in The Dixie Chicks! We loved them and will look for their music.

Have to say that Mary J. Blige puts on a real stage show, something about seeing her live and the guts that she puts into a performance makes me like her more. This Stairway to Heaven song is a fabulous one for her to sing.

Another Canadian, Chantal Kreviazuk, sang an appropriate song..feels like home, I may have to watch "The Notebook" again.

But Sarah, Oh Sarah. This latest album of hers and her performance is testament to the strength of this woman. She's better than ever. Her voice is mellifluous and true and deep and convincing. She's strong and grounded. Wonderful. She sang lots of old favourites interspersed with a few new ones.... Still a HUGE fan! Thanks Sarah for putting this women in song together. Quite the concert.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Watching Pillars of the Earth tonight made me think about Cathedrals. These photos do not do justice to Marc Chagall's stained glass windows in Notre-Dame Cathedral, Reims, France. They are breathtaking and even more vibrant than any photo can convey.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Mamère! What do you mean you have an iPhone! My Mummy wants an iPhone and I do too!

Oh man. I am SO dexterous enough to handle one of these things. They really are just the right size for babies...now let's see what you've got loaded on here...

All MY songs are on here. Okay, this is great. I'm in heaven..."They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace!"

This really should be something invented for babies. I'm surprised no one has thought of it yet. Can't tell you how amusing this is for curious 6 month old babies! Baby Genius indeed. I would however keep it to the iPod portion and forgo the phone app. Those long distance calls could be killers!:)

Sunday, July 18, 2010

After our wonderful trip to Veuve Clicquot and Reims Cathedral, we veered (literally-one of those last minute turns, Jane was driving and there was a median involved!) into the town of Bouillon.

These people were ready for something to eat (and drink - after our recent off-road experience) especially the littlest one, which explains the veering mother at the wheel!

The town clock was saying 7:08 p.m.

Oh My Word!

Zoë! Look at the duck boats!

This looks like a perfect place for a little girl.

It's taking some people so looooooooong to eat their dinner, and the time is marching on, so how about Mamère and Zoë go looking around this Duchy while they finish up.

The walkway WAY up there looks a little bit scary for a very small girl. It is a huge castle. I wonder if there is a Prince who lives here?

It's getting pretty late, so we'll have to hurry through town if we are going to find The Prince before dark.

Ah there be dragons too! They probably protect The Prince.

Not only has no one come after us to see what we're up to, but it's past any good little girl's bedtime by now n'est pas?

This has got to be where The Prince lives, but it's SO big and SO old, I wonder if there's a smaller more romantic little palace nearby?

These must be the Royal Swans! This would be quite a deliciously fun realm to rule wouldn't it?!

The Castle clock says it's past nine. All little girls should be rushing home to bed.

WAIT! What's that around the bend? Why it's a little castle! I'll bet that's the Princess' castle! Look at the sweet little turret. One could easily climb up there and fall fast asleep. It probably has a soft mattress and a cozy duvet.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

A stock pot full of water can be a happy diversion in really hot weather.

The addition of a few new water toys makes it even better.

An early start at talking to dolphins is quite scientific.

Sometimes you are startled by familiar looks on the face of your granddaughter. This picture has always been a favourite of ours and sums up Zoë's Mummy to a tee! Is it my imagination or is there a resemblance with the picture above? Somewhat of a furrowed brow? :)

This may be the beginning of yet another skeptic in the family!

You may have noticed the bassinet in the background of this photo. It was the sweetest rocking cradle with a little cotton curtain. Within months, Jane had figured out how to maneuver to one side of the bed thus catapulting herself onto the floor. The solution was to remove it from it's legs and have it on terra firma.

Friday, July 16, 2010

The little family said they would never have a house that was given over to all things baby. Observe the background beyond the "Jumparoo"....see the orange mega stroller that can climb mountains, and the newly acquired collapsible high chair? That's just the shot from this angle...add in monkey island, a bumbo chair, boxes of educational toys and two cats...you get the picture:)

This is an extraordinary piece of equipment. The seat swivels in order to reach all the different activities.

No matter how hard you plot to try and reach the birds that dangle from the top, it's just not possible until you get a little older, a little taller and can really set this thing flying!

Discouraging even for the most intrepid of babies

Sophie can fix most dilemmas.

You can tell her anything.

Sometimes she's the only one who listens.

Sophie says it won't be long before we can reach the stars!...let alone those dumb birds :)

Thursday, July 15, 2010

When it gets unbearably hot I often think of Carl Larsson and how he and his family is pictured near the lake in Sweden having a picnic. In the "olden days" at our cottage, it was customary to pull out the white enameled bathtub and babies were as happy as larks. It was one of those days in Belgium just last week.